Category Archives: Benin

Faces of Africa

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Benin, West Africa early 2000’s We had given these young men some of our snacks. Maybe peanuts. Salty and crunchy. After one taste, they scrabbled for more. Who wouldn’t? If you look closely, you will see the fine scarring on … Continue reading

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Benin: Masked Dancer Ceremony

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Benin 2001 A Yoruba man performs in the Gelede mask ceremony. The Gelede is a secret society of men. Costumed and masked, they dance and act out rituals designed to perpetuate the morals of the tribe and inspire correct conduct. The … Continue reading

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Ganvie: Venice of Africa

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West Africa: Ganvie, Benin 2001 The village of Ganvie is built in the middle of a lagoon not far from the capital city of Benin which is Cotonou.  The Tofinu tribe arrived here as early as the 17th century to escape slavers, colonials and … Continue reading

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Somba Family

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Northern Benin 2001: A Somba family at home It must have been the perfect time of day to shoot because the blacks have detail and the whites have detail and there are lovely shades of gray. Sometimes you get lucky. I … Continue reading

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Somba Tribe

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Northern Benin 2001 A Somba family stands in their courtyard. The Somba are known for their castle-like homes. Each home is protected by a wall. It isn’t a separate wall. The outer wall forms part of the living area itself. Inside the courtyard are some … Continue reading

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